And although Lukaku – who impressed on a season-long loan at West Brom last term, netting 17 league goals – is desperate for first-team football this season, the 20-year-old would be happy to see the squad strengthened with new arrivals.

"Every player wants to be in the best team there is," the Belgian told reporters. "If a player can improve us, why not? Samuel Eto'o, Wayne Rooney, I have heard everyone. I am not scared. Let them come.

"I'm getting closer to where I need to be and hopefully also closer to the starting line-up, my main ambition.

"If I keep working hard, like I'm doing now, showing the talent that I have, hopefully I get to start in the next game.

"Compared to the first year, when I arrived here it was all about learning and taking a bit off all the players, now it's about starting games."

The Belgium international has been used as a substitute in Chelsea's two Premier League wins against Hull City Tigers and Aston Villa.